Sir Michael Caine, who grew up near Elephant & Castle, joined the Conservative leader at his Westminster press conference on Thursday morning to launch the party's proposal for 16-year-olds to take part in non-military national service.

The National Citizen Service would be a two-month summer programme for 16-year olds, involving both residential and at-home components delivered by independent charities, social enterprises and businesses.

Speaking at the press conference, Sir Michael referred to conversations he had had with young people in Southwark whilst filming his recent Harry Brown movie around the Heygate Estate and Rockingham Estate.

Later Mr Cameron and Sir Michael travelled to Globe Academy in Harper Road where they met young people who have taken part in The Challenge, an example of the sort of scheme that the Tories want to build on.

The Challenge Network, which has its offices in SE1, currently works with young people from Southwark and Hammersmith.

Bermondsey and Old Southwark Conservative candidate Loanna Morrison was also in attendance.

Globe Academy pupils taking part in Easter revision workshops clamoured for autographs of the Hollywood star and Tory leader.

Globe Academy, formerly Geoffrey Chaucer Technology College, is sponsored by the educational charity Ark (Absolute Return for Kids). Ark's chairman is Stanley Fink who is also co-treasurer of the Conservative Party.